Vulcanologists study volcanoes and predict eruptions and their effects. Short-term forecasting and accurate prediction of large volcanic eruptions have improved immensely in recent years.
Vulcanologists monitor active volcanoes by using various tracking methods, for example gas monitoring, deformation studies and seismic monitoring. Seismometers determine the strength and location of an earthquake by measuring ground vibrations. Seismographs receive signals and plot data in the form of a line called a seismogram.
Many vulcanologists find work as university professors teaching petrology or a geological subject such as vulcanology as their main field of interest. Some find work evaluating the safety of the long-term storage of nuclear waste.
Volcanoes can be extremely dangerous when an eruption occurs, but with the help of vulcanologists and technology, many lives can be saved.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with lots of challenges
- being able to venture into work that can be dangerous
- helping to save lives
Demanding aspects
- extremely stressful work
- working outdoors in variable weather condition
- working in severely dangerous conditions
Requirements
- scientifically inclined
- courageous and adventurous
- strong personality
- like travelling
- enjoy outdoor life and geology
- adaptable to various conditions
- able to keep calm and rational in a crisis situation
- above-average intelligence
- naturally inquisitive and analytical
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Geography
Training
Degree: relevant degree such as in Geoscience, - NMMU, Wits, Soil Science - UFS, US, UP, UL, Geology - RU, US, UJ, UP, UFH, UFS, NWU, UV, Earth or Environmental Science - UWC, UCT, UJ, NMMU, UKZN, US, UNISA, RU, UV, Wits, Monash
Diploma: N.Dip: Geology - TUT
Employer
- government departments
- geological surveyors
- universities
- research institutes
Contact
Geological Society of South Africa
P O Box 61809
Linden, 2107
Tel: (011) 492-3370 Fax: (011) 492-3371
www.gssa.org.za